Manchester City Football Club (MCFC) has been a trailblazer in sustainable practices, showcasing how sports can influence communities and inspire positive change. Situated at the iconic Etihad Campus, the club is redefining sustainability in football, with ambitious targets and tangible initiatives. MCFC is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030—five years ahead of Greater Manchester’s target and two decades ahead of the UK national goal.  

Sustainable practices at Manchester City Football Club  

1. Carbon Reduction and Resource Conservation 

In 2023, Manchester City reduced its carbon emissions by 16%, thanks to a series of targeted measures: 

  • Elimination of single-use plastics: Plastic has been removed across all operations at the Etihad Campus. 

  • Energy and water conservation: Focused efforts on resource efficiency ensure a reduced environmental footprint. 

  • Matchday Transportation: Fans are encouraged to use sustainable transport options, including: 

  • Sustainable food choices: The club offers an increased variety of vegan and vegetarian options at the stadium. 

  • City Link walking route to the stadium. 

  • Expanded bike rack facilities. 

  • A dedicated matchday bus network across Greater Manchester. 

2. Biodiversity Enhancement 

MCFC’s commitment to enhancing local biodiversity is evident around the Etihad Campus, which now hosts over 500 species of animals and insects. Key initiatives include: 

  • Creation of habitats such as wildflower meadows, sand mounds, and a bee bank behind the first-team pitches. 

  • Planting native deciduous trees and maintaining deadwood areas to support wildlife. 

3. Fan Engagement in Sustainability 

MCFC actively involves its fans in their sustainability journey by: 

  • Promoting low-carbon travel options. 

  • Encouraging environmental awareness through matchday initiatives. 

  • Embedding sustainability into the fan experience, whether visiting for a match, a tour, or a casual walk around the Etihad Campus. 

4. Renewable Energy Investment 

In March 2024, MCFC unveiled plans to transform the City Football Academy into one of the largest renewable energy producers in global football. The installation of over 10,500 solar panels will offset the Academy’s annual energy requirements entirely, setting a benchmark for energy sustainability in the sport. 

Why Sustainability Matters 

For MCFC, sustainability is more than a commitment—it’s a core value that reflects the club’s vision and responsibility. The club’s efforts span two decades, driven by the belief that football is a catalyst for societal change. Through annual sustainability reporting, MCFC measures its impact and continuously sets higher standards. 

The 20th Annual Sustainability Report in 2024 marks a significant milestone in the club’s journey. It emphasises the focus on local, tangible changes that resonate with fans, communities, and partners. 

Manchester City Football Club is leading the way in sustainable practices within football. Their commitment to renewable energy, biodiversity, and community engagement demonstrates the transformative power of sport in addressing global challenges. 

Experience the intersection of football and sustainability by visiting the Etihad Campus—where every initiative reflects a vision for a greener future. 

For more wellness content, head over to our Visit Manchester Well page

Read more blogs...

Guide
Celebrating Pride across Greater Manchester 14 May 2026 -

Celebrating Pride across Greater Manchester

  • 6 minute read

June marks Pride Month across the world, to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall riots…

Seasonal guide
Health and Wellness activities in Greater Manchester 13 May 2026 -

Health and Wellness activities in Greater Manchester

  • 4 minute read

Revitalize your senses in Greater Manchester with Visit Manchester’s guide to health and…

Seasonal guide
Human Natures: A Free Exhibition Opens at Manchester Museum 13 May 2026 -

Human Natures: A Free Exhibition Opens at Manchester Museum

  • 3 minute read

Step into Human Natures, Manchester Museum’s new exhibition exploring how people have shaped…

Best Day Trips from Manchester for an Unforgettable Adventure 08 May 2026 -

Best Day Trips from Manchester for an Unforgettable Adventure

  • 11 minute read

So, you’re planning on booking a trip to Manchester and fancy getting out to explore more of…

Guide
The Best Midweek Deals to Take Advantage of in Manchester 08 May 2026 -

The Best Midweek Deals to Take Advantage of in Manchester

  • 11 minute read

Who says dining out has to wait for the weekend? In Manchester, some of the best food deals pop up…

Guide
Manchester on Screen: A Neighbourhood-led Film & TV Day Out 07 May 2026 -

Manchester on Screen: A Neighbourhood-led Film & TV Day Out

  • 13 minute read

Manchester is the kind of city that makes you feel like you’ve been here before. Not because…

Guide
Staff Picks: The Perfect Way to Spend Time in Manchester This Summer 07 May 2026 -
Seasonal guide
Celebrating 50 years of extraordinary theatre at the Royal Exchange 05 May 2026 -

Celebrating 50 years of extraordinary theatre at the Royal Exchange

  • 2 minute read

Suspended inside a former trading hall in the heart of Manchester, the Royal Exchange Theatre is…

Guide
Explore Manchester Like a Local This Summer 02 May 2026 -

Explore Manchester Like a Local This Summer

  • 25 minute read

Explore Manchester beyond the usual city centre spots and you’ll start to get a better sense…

Guide
Manchester Neighbourhood Guide: Summer Edition 01 May 2026 -

Manchester Neighbourhood Guide: Summer Edition

  • 15 minute read

Manchester doesn’t really show its neighbourhoods as separate things when you’re…

Guide
48–72 Hours in Manchester: The Ultimate Summer Itinerary 28 Apr 2026 -

48–72 Hours in Manchester: The Ultimate Summer Itinerary

  • 10 minute read

Only have a couple of days in Manchester? This itinerary gives you a genuine feel for the city, its…

Seasonal guide
Things to do in Greater Manchester this May Half Term Holidays 28 Apr 2026 -

Things to do in Greater Manchester this May Half Term Holidays

  • 2 minute read

Looking for May half term activities that are fun for the whole family? Thankfully, Greater…

Seasonal guide
Events not to miss this early May Bank Holiday 28 Apr 2026 -

Events not to miss this early May Bank Holiday

  • 4 minute read

The May Bank Holiday weekend is the perfect excuse to get out and enjoy Manchester. From family days…

Seasonal guide
We Invented the Weekend returns to Salford for a huge free celebration 23 Apr 2026 -

We Invented the Weekend returns to Salford for a huge free celebration

  • 5 minute read

We Invented the Weekend returns on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June, bringing two days of joyful, free…

What’s On in Manchester This Summer: Live Music, Gigs and Festivals 22 Apr 2026 -

What’s On in Manchester This Summer: Live Music, Gigs and Festivals

  • 8 minute read

The search for gigs in Manchester this summer usually starts the same way. A quick look at listings…

Top Things to Do in Manchester This Summer 20 Apr 2026 -

Top Things to Do in Manchester This Summer

  • 11 minute read

The first warm evening in Manchester often begins the same way: someone suggests “just one…

Guide
Ultimate Guide to Family-Friendly Summer Adventures in Greater Manchester 13 Apr 2026 -

Ultimate Guide to Family-Friendly Summer Adventures in Greater Manchester

  • 13 minute read

Dreaming of an unforgettable family escape this summer? Manchester is buzzing with things to do for…

News
Manchester 48 Hour Film Project Returns for Season 2 in 2026 08 Apr 2026 -

Manchester 48 Hour Film Project Returns for Season 2 in 2026

  • 4 minute read

Filmmakers across the North-West are invited to take on the Ultimate 48-Hour Creative…

Seasonal guide
Unmissable Shows at Lowry: Award-winning Musicals, Dance and New shows 01 Apr 2026 -

Unmissable Shows at Lowry: Award-winning Musicals, Dance and New shows

  • 1 minute read

Enjoy unmissable shows and inspiring performance in 2026 at Salford’s iconic theatre, Lowry…

Guide
A Complete Guide to Manchester's Michelin-star and Michelin-listed Restaurants 25 Mar 2026 -

A Complete Guide to Manchester's Michelin-star and Michelin-listed Restaurants

  • 18 minute read

Manchester has become one of the UK’s most exciting cities for fine dining, with a growing…

Seasonal guide
Top 7 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Manchester 13 Mar 2026 -

Top 7 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Manchester

  • 7 minute read

St. Patrick’s Day falls on 17 March, with events across the city including the Manchester St…

Manchester Marathon 2026 Guide: Spectator Information, Travel Advice, and Best Celebration Spots 12 Mar 2026 -

Manchester Marathon 2026 Guide: Spectator Information, Travel Advice, and Best Celebration Spots

  • 5 minute read

The UK’s second-largest marathon takes place in Manchester on Sunday 19 th April 2026…

News
5 Top Events Not to Miss at Manchester Film Festival 2026 10 Mar 2026 -

5 Top Events Not to Miss at Manchester Film Festival 2026

  • 5 minute read

Manchester Film Festival returns 19–29 March 2026 — and it's shaping up to be the…

Spring Jazz Season in Manchester at Stoller Hall 10 Mar 2026 -

Spring Jazz Season in Manchester at Stoller Hall

  • 3 minute read

Spring has officially sprung at Stoller Hall - and this season, it’s swinging…

Information
Celebrating Pride across Greater Manchester 10 Mar 2026 -

Visit Manchester Insider's Guide Part 10: LGBTQ+

  • 2 minute read

This content is drawn from the Visit Manchester Insider’s Guide. Filled with ideas and…

Visit Manchester Insider’s Guide Part 9: Bars and Pubs 09 Mar 2026 -

Visit Manchester Insider’s Guide Part 9: Bars and Pubs

  • 4 minute read

This content is drawn from the Visit Manchester Insider’s Guide. Filled with ideas and…

Information
Visit Manchester Insider’s Guide Part 7: Galleries and Museums 06 Mar 2026 -

Visit Manchester Insider’s Guide Part 7: Galleries and Museums

  • 3 minute read

This content is drawn from the Visit Manchester Insider’s Guide. Filled with ideas and…

Guide
How to Get Manchester City Tickets 05 Mar 2026 -

How to Get Manchester City Tickets

  • 4 minute read

For football fans across the globe, a trip to Manchester isn’t complete without a visit to…

Seasonal guide
Things to do in Greater Manchester this Easter School Holidays 05 Mar 2026 -

Things to do in Greater Manchester this Easter School Holidays

  • 4 minute read

Looking for Easter activities that are fun for the whole family? Thankfully, Greater Manchester is…

News
Exciting Transformation at Rochdale’s Curtain Theatre 05 Mar 2026 -

Exciting Transformation at Rochdale’s Curtain Theatre

  • 2 minute read

If you’re planning a trip to Greater Manchester and love discovering local gems…